Background

The Government of Moldova explicitly acknowledges its commitment to link migration and development at the local level. Institutions at all government levels are becoming increasingly aware that migration is one of development factors; this is especially true for emigrees and their potential support to the home communities through local essential service improvement (water, sanitation, education, health and social services), skill and knowledge transfer and income generating opportunities.

Given the stringent need to further advance with the implementation of the Decentralization Strategy and embedding migration aspects into development processes, the State Chancellery together with United Nations Development Programme have designed a new Programme phase of the Joint Integrated Local Development Programme. The project is designed to support Central Public Authorities (CPAs) and LPAs to develop and implement strategic policies, methodologies and procedures related to temporary, permanent and circular migration and link them to local development processes, which will enable further design and implementation of joint service improvement and income-generating initiatives, ensuring equal access for women, children, young people the elderly, the disabled, and other population groups  in selected localities. Moreover, the project is developed as a replicable approach with potentials for scaling up, with intensive capacity building and strengthening of national and local public authorities to better plan, manage, budget, and implement public service management with participation of community members, including migrants.

Thus, as seen above, integrating migration into local development requires a systematic, tangible and programmatic approach. The current project is proposed on the basis of the results achieved during the implementation of 3 phases of JILDP (2007-2015), which has put a series of methodological approaches and strategic frameworks in place. It supports integrated and systematic local development planning and management, by tackling both central and local levels.

The Overall Objective of the Programme is Communities affected by migration benefit from improved essential local services, namely water and sanitation, health, social and education services, and have access to income-generating opportunities, including improved employment reintegration support for returnees.

Considering the specific local development context, current situation and needs, the project sets two primary outcomes:
Outcome 1: The Ministry of Labour, Social Protection and Family and the National Employment Agency have mandates, capacities and resources to provide qualitative employment reintegration services to all returnees.
Outcome 2: Local public authorities have the capacities and resources to engage with community members, including migrants, and to promote know-how transfer from abroad with a view to improving local essential services and offering opportunities for income-generating activities.

Both areas of the project emphasize the national ownership and strengthening capacities at national and local levels to enable a socio-economic environment, secure employment support, reduce disparities and inequalities, provide income generating opportunities, and ensure sustainable local development. The project intervention will apply human rights based and gender equality approaches, including community empowerment and mobilization models with migrants’ engagement, and various tools for efficient service provision.

The intervention supports the implementation of national development priorities, while responding to challenges of European Union driven reform. It is built on the priorities of the Government Programme 2015-2018, the National Development Strategy Moldova 2020, the National Decentralization Strategy 2012-2015, the Strategy on Migration and Asylum, the United Partnership Framework (for 2013-2017), and Swiss Cooperation Strategy Republic of Moldova 2014-2017.

In order to ensure an impact maximization and tangible results, the project intervention envisages strong synergies with BRD/IOM and NEXUS, as part of the programmatic intervention funded by Swiss Cooperation Office SDC.

Duties and Responsibilities

Under the guidance and direct supervision of the IMLDP Project Manager and with overall guidance from the UNDP Programme Specialist, the Gender Monitoring & Evaluation Officer ensures the effective and efficient integration of all gender-related aspects within the IMLDP Project by supporting the design, planning and management of monitoring and evaluation (M&E) activities. The Gender, Monitoring & Evaluation Officer applies and promotes the principles of results-based management (RBM), as well as a client-oriented approach consistent with UNDP rules and regulations.  

The Gender Monitoring & Evaluation Officer works in close collaboration with the IMLDP Project Manager and other project officers for effective achievement of results, anticipating and resolving complex project-related issues and information delivery.

The incumbent is expected to exercise full compliance with UNDP programming, financial, procurement and administrative rules, regulations, policies and strategies, as well as implementation of the effective internal control systems.

Summary of Key Functions:

The incumbent will ensure the provision of development services and products (commensurate with the scope of the project) of the highest quality and standards to national counterparts and clients through applying HRBA and GE approaches.  More specifically:

1. Advice and support to IMLDP project on gender-related issues, focusing on achievement of the following results:

• Thorough analysis and research of the political, social and economic situation in the country and preparation of substantive inputs on gender to strategic policy, methodologies, procedures and other documents related to migration and local development.
• Conduct reviews of strategies, proposals and grants developed with IMLDP support and provide timely input and recommendations for gender integration, and subsequent implementation.
• Advise the IMLDP project on gender policies and trends, and their relevant linkages to the project activities. Ensure mainstreaming gender and human rights based approaches into migration, local development and decentralization policies and interventions
• Advice on possible areas for IMLDP support and adjustment of on-going project to ensure it is in line with national policies and priorities.
• Translate UNDP’s gender-related priorities into policy and local interventions.

2.    Provide leadership in the establishment of a robust M&E system for impact assessment of the project’s outputs and document the significant outcomes that have influenced the project’s beneficiaries as well as stakeholders.

• Ensure effective application of RBM tools including with a gender sensitive lens, including on the establishment of management targets and monitoring achievement of results.
• Develop a solid M&E system for capturing the impact of the project’s different interventions; Introduction of performance indicators / success criteria, targets and milestones.
• Facilitate the implementation of the M&E system of the project including an efficient and effective flow of information as well as the synergy and partnership – at the national and sub-national levels.
• Support to monitoring of the project with a gender sensitive lens, identification of problems and issues, development of solutions.
• Quality assurance of all gender-related aspects for the initiation and implementation of IMLDP and Annual Work Plans (AWP) as per existing standard operating procedures.
• Contribute to the project’s evaluation, reviews and project knowledge production for informed decision making.
• Ensure that aggregate reports and related gender analysis are regularly prepared on activities, outputs and outcomes and provide support on preparation of donor reports from a gender perspective.

3.    Ensures creation of strategic partnerships, focusing on achievement of the following results:

• Analysis and research of information on donors, preparation of substantive briefs on possible areas of cooperation, contribute to the IMLDP resource mobilization efforts.
• Facilitate knowledge building and mainstreaming of gender and related perspectives within the project.
• Serve as a project liaison person on gender aspects with relevant partners.

4.    Ensures provision of top quality advisory services and facilitation of knowledge building and management, focusing on achievement of the following results:

• Provide training and capacity building support for IMLDP staff and partners on gender issues.
• Identification and synthesis of best practices and lessons learnt directly on gender aspects.
• Provision of policy options and high quality advisory inputs to the project from a gender perspective to ensure these are responsive to national policies, priorities and strategic plans, and advance UNDP's corporate goals.
• Sound contributions to gender-related knowledge networks and communities of practice.
• Management of events and publications on gender-related issues.

The key results have a direct impact on the overall successful achievement of the JILDP programme.  Accurate analysis and presentation of information enhances UNDP’s position as a strong development partner.  The information provided facilitates decision-making of the Programme Steering Committee and UNDP management.

Competencies

Corporate Competencies:

• Demonstrates commitment to UNDP’s mission, vision and values.
• Exerts strict adherence to corporate rules, regulations and procedures.  Familiarity with the internal control framework and results-based management tools is a must.
• Displays cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality and age sensitivity and adaptability

Functional Competencies:
Knowledge Management and Learning

• Shares knowledge and experience
• Actively works towards continuing personal learning, acts on learning plan and applies newly acquired skills

Development and Operational Effectiveness

• Proven ability to problem-solve, and think creatively to develop and implement smart business solutions in a challenging socio-economic environment
• Ability to establish and maintain contacts with senior-level officials of the host government required. Excellent interpersonal skills are essential part of the job.
• Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, is required to obtain, evaluate and interpret factual data and to prepare accurate and complete reports and other documents.

Leadership and Self-Management

• Focuses on result for the client and responds positively to feedback
• Consistently approaches work with energy and a positive, constructive attitude
• Remains calm, in control and good humored even under pressure
• Demonstrates openness to change and ability to manage complexities

Required Skills and Experience

Education:    

• Master Degree in public administration, social sciences, law or related areas.
• Additional training and certification in project management would be an advantage.

Experience:    

• At least five years of progressively responsible experience is required at the national or international level in the field of gender mainstreaming, preferably in an international organization, national agency, national ministry, non-governmental organization/think-tank, or private sector.
• Practical experience in community development.
• Previous experience in development assistance or related work for a donor organization, governmental institutions, NGO or private sector / consulting firm is a very strong advantage.
• Experience in the usage of computers and office software packages (MS Word, Excel, etc) and advance knowledge of spreadsheet and database packages, experience in handling of web based management systems.

Language Requirements:

•  Fluency in both oral and written English and Romanian is a must.
•  Knowledge of Russian is desired. Working knowledge of one or more additional languages relevant for Moldova, including, Bulgarian, Gagauzian, Romani, Ukrainian or sign language would be an asset.

This is a local position, therefore only citizens of the Republic of Moldova or others legally authorized to work in the country are eligible to apply.
Applications should be submitted on line and include fully completed Personal History Form (P11) as attachment instead of CV/resume.
Please note that only applicants who are short-listed will be contacted.